Prunus L. variety named &#39;Piku 4&#39;

ABSTRACT

A new and distinct Prunus rootstock compatible with other Prunus varieties and producing trees with reduced growth, suitable to sandy soil with high productivity.

CLASSIFICATION

[0001] Prunus L.

VARIETAL DENOMINATION

[0002] ‘Piku 4’

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention comprises a new and distinct cultivar of hybrid Prunus known by the varietal name ‘Piku 4’. The new variety was discovered in 1976 in a selective breeding program designed to produce growth reducing rootstock for cherry trees in Dresden-Pilluitz, Germany as a cross between an unnamed, unpatented variety of Prunus cerasus (female parent) and an unnamed, unpatented variety of Prunus kunsar (P. kansuensis×P. sargentii) (male parent). The new variety differs from its parents in its growth habit. The following characteristic distinguish the new variety from Prunus avium varieties:

[0004] 1. Three-way hybrid.

[0005] 2. Reduces growth in grafted varieties by 30-40%.

[0006] 3. Suitable for sandy soil.

[0007] 4. Precocious crop.

[0008] 5. Glossiness of upper leaf surface.

[0009] 6. Growth habit.

[0010] The new variety was first asexually reproduced via green cuttings in 1980 in Dresden-Pilluitz, Germany and subsequent propagation therein has confirmed that the characteristics of the new variety are stable and are transmitted to subsequent generations.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0011] The accompanying photographic drawings illustrate the new variety, with the color being as nearly true as is possible with color illustrations of this type.

[0012]FIG. 1 shows the tree of the new variety;

[0013]FIG. 2 shows a branch with leaves; and

[0014]FIG. 3 shows a branch with flower buds;

DESCRIPTION OF THE PLANT

[0015] The following detailed description sets forth the characteristics of the new cultivar. The data which defines these characteristics were collected by asexual reproductions via green cuttings carried out in Dresden-Pilluitz, Germany. The color measurements were taken in outdoors Dresden-Pilluitz, Germany. Color designations are noted with reference to The Royal Horticulture Society Colour Chart. The new variety prefers dry or sandy soil and is resistant to PNRV and PDV. As a rootstock, it can be reproduced via softwood cuttings. The new variety anchors adequately with some root sprouts, sufficient compatability with grafts and exhibits dwarf growth, vigor.

TREE

[0016] Size: Small-medium.

[0017] Form: Bushy, drooping.

[0018] Trunk:

[0019]Size.—Small.

[0020]Surface texture.—Smooth.

[0021]Bark color.—Dark.

[0022] Branches:

[0023]Surface texture.—Smooth.

[0024]Bark color.—Dark brown.

[0025]New growth color.—Light red.

[0026]Mature growth color.—Brown.

[0027]Internode length.—Medium.

[0028]Bud.—Medium, round.

[0029] Leaves:

[0030]Length.—10.4 cm.

[0031]Width.—5.0 cm.

[0032]Surface texture.—Upper side glossy.

[0033]Form.—Elongated, elliptical.

[0034]Color.—Light green.

[0035] Petioles:

[0036]Length.—1.7 cm.

[0037]Thickness.—Thin-medium.

[0038] Leaf glands:

[0039]Quantity.—1-4.

[0040]Position.—Under leaf end.

[0041]Size.—Small.

[0042]Color.—Green-red.

[0043] Flowers:

[0044]Color.—White.

[0045]Number.—Many.

[0046]Sexual characteristics.—Triploid, crop is rare.

FRUIT

[0047] Maturity date/location: Mid-season in Dresden, Pilluitz.

[0048] Size: Small 1-2 g.

[0049] Axial diameter: 1-2 cm.

[0050] Skin: Dark red-brown 

I claim:
 1. A new and distinct variety of Prunus rootstock named ‘Piku 4’ substantially as shown and described. 